Wednesday, Nov. 04, 2009

North Carolina news | Court sides with agency in lawsuit

North Carolina

RALEIGH

Court sides with agency in lawsuit

The North Carolina Court of Appeals has sided with the state treasurer's office in a public records lawsuit that accused officials of withholding documents about the state's pension fund.

A three-judge panel ruled Tuesday that the State Employees Association of North Carolina failed to specify what records were being wrongfully withheld by the treasurer's office. The association sued after it said former Treasurer Richard Moore and his office failed to completely respond to two records requests.

The association wanted detailed information about outside fund managers and the types of investments made by the pension funds since 2001.

One of the judges dissented, saying the state employees association did specify records.

WILMINGTON

Mayor to pay bill after embezzlement

A North Carolina mayor has been stuck with the bill of more than $300,000 after an employee embezzled the money from a state license plate agency run by the mayor.

The Star-News of Wilmington reported Tuesday that Oak Island Mayor Johnie Vereen agreed to pay to settle a lawsuit by the state Division of Motor Vehicles.

Vereen was not charged and denied having any role in the theft by former employee Annie Daphine Ross Prince. Prince pleaded guilty to stealing from the Brunswick County license plate agency. Prince is serving at least five years in prison.